Spurs boss Ramos fancies Albelda on a free but fears Berbatov could still leave

Thursday 24 January 2008 17:10 BST

Juande Ramos has offered unsettled midfielder David Albelda a route out of Valencia. The Tottenham boss has admitted that he would be interested in signing the Spain international - but only on a free transfer.

The 30-year-old playmaker has been dropped from Ronald Koeman's first-team squad and Ramos is keen to capitalise on the unrest at the Mestalla.

Ramos said: "I have had a good relationship with David for many years as I coached his brother at Alcoyano and at Levante.

"I asked him about his contractual situation because if he was leaving for free then I would be interested. But the situation with Valencia has not been solved and there was not much more to say, although we do have a good relationship."

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Giving chase: David Albelda pursues Frank Lampard during happier times with Valencia

Giving chase: David Albelda pursues Frank Lampard during happier times with Valencia

Earlier this week Albeda, who has won 50 international caps, said: "I'm still waiting for an explanation, for someone to say something (about being dropped).

"I can assure you that I've never had any argument or incident with Koeman or the president (Juan Soler), but one day I was playing and the next day I was out.

"It's a very difficult situation to be working apart from the rest of the squad and to be marginalised more and more without having any contact with your team mates. It couldn't be worse."

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Meanwhile, Ramos fears that Tottenham could still lose Dimitar Berbatov as long as the transfer window remains open,.

The Bulgarian's long-term future at White Hart Lane remains the subject of intense speculation with Manchester United keenest among a host of top European suitors.

Berbatov has become an integral part of the Spurs side under Ramos which this week thumped Arsenal 5-1 to reach the Carling Cup Final, but the Spaniard admits there remains a danger of him being tempted to leave until the end of January.

"We count on him, but while the market is still open there is always a risk because he is a great player and it is normal that there is interest," Ramos said. "But he is happy and is enjoying playing for the team so, it would have to be an offer from a very big club, with a very big contract to make him leave."